Celtics Believe Jayson Tatum Has Suffered Severe Injury, Says NBA Insider

Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum suffered what appeared to be a significant lower leg injury in Monday's Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 4 loss against the New York Knicks.

Read more: Celtics' Jayson Tatum Exits Game 4 vs Knicks With Concerning Non-Contact Injury

While the only update from the team has come from head coach Joe Mazzulla who spoke after the game, on Tuesday, ESPN insider Shams Charania provided the latest on Tatum on an appearance on SportsCenter.

"The Boston Celtics are bracing for the worst around Jayson Tatum and that right foot," Charania said. "He underwent an MRI today in New York City, and the Celtics, since last night, have been expecting a severe injury for Tatum."

More news: Celtics Head Coach Provides Update on Jayson Tatum's Non-Contact Injury

Tatum was forced to exit the game with just over three minutes to go after lunging for a loose ball and suffering what looked like a non-contact injury. He was rolling on the ground in pain, and wasn't able to put any weight on his right leg as he went back to the locker room. He underwent an MRI on Tuesday in New York, but the results have not yet been reported.

Tatum was in the midst of his best performance of the playoffs on Monday night, scoring 42 points to go along with eight rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocks. He was leading the Celtics in total points, rebounds and assists for the second straight postseason, but now could face a lengthy absence as he recovers from the injury.

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As for the Celtics, the reigning NBA champions are on the brink of elimination, down 3-1 to the Knicks with Wednesday's Game 5 in Boston looming. The Celtics will look to stay alive without Tatum in what could be their final game of the 2024-25 season.

It could also be the final game for this current core group of players.

Charania reported the team was already planning on making some big changes this offseason, whether or not they won this series.

"Win or lose, the Celtics — from my understanding, they've been destined for potential changes in the offseason," Charania said. "And now they have Jayson Tatum, who's on a supermax contract, potentially with a serious injury."

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